Ultrasound Processor Selective Data Extraction for Doppler Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound systems face challenges in efficiently extracting and processing relevant data for forming high-quality ultrasound images, particularly in selectively focusing on specific regions of interest for Doppler and motion imaging, which can lead to suboptimal image quality and increased computational burdens.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasound system incorporates a processor that selectively extracts necessary ultrasound data from stored data by setting a processing pulse repetition frequency and ensemble number, allowing for asynchronous extraction and formation of target ultrasound images, including Spectral, Color, and Vector Doppler images, using a combination of analog-to-digital conversion and reception beam-forming techniques to enhance image quality and reduce unnecessary data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If all acquired ultrasound data is processed to form ultrasound images, then comprehensive image coverage is achieved, but computational burden increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcomputational burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor selectively extracts only the necessary ultrasound data from the stored data for forming target ultrasound images. This extraction approach removes unnecessary data processing while maintaining image quality, directly resolving the contradiction between comprehensive processing and computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If ultrasound data is processed in real-time without storage, then processing speed is maintained, but data flexibility and reprocessing capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddata reprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores acquired ultrasound data before final image formation, allowing for preliminary data preservation. This enables flexible reprocessing at different pulse repetition frequencies and ensemble numbers without requiring real-time re-acquisition, resolving the contradiction between processing speed and data flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If fixed pulse repetition frequency is used for data acquisition, then system operation is simplified, but adaptability to different imaging requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidimaging mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the processing pulse repetition frequency and ensemble number based on different imaging requirements (Spectral Doppler, Color Doppler, motion imaging). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle diverse imaging modes while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If complete ultrasound data is stored for all possible processing needs, then data availability is maximized, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidstorage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The processor extracts only the necessary data from stored ultrasound data for forming specific target images. This selective extraction maintains data availability for required imaging modes while reducing storage requirements by not preserving all possible data variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables the formation of high-quality ultrasound images with improved connectivity and reduced computational load, allowing for better detection of blood flow velocities and tissue motion, while optimizing data usage and processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a Doppler mode image indicative of velocities of a moving target object with spectral Doppler by using a Doppler effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Implementation Method 2

emitting unfocused acoustic signals into a medium over substantially an entire field; receiving scattered and reflected ultrasonic signals on a transducer array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2610641B1Ultrasound and system for forming a Doppler ultrasound image
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP2610641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2610641B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2610641B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An ultrasound system and a method of forming an ultrasound image by selectively extracting ultrasound data necessary for forming the ultrasound image from stored ultrasound data are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system includes a storage unit configured to store ultrasound data acquired from an object; and a processor configured to selectively extract ultrasound data necessary for forming a target ultrasound image from the ultrasound data stored in the storage unit, and to form the target ultrasound image by using the extracted ultrasound data.